AuthorMatthew Turner

HomeArticles Posted by Matthew Turner
tire repair

Reasons Why You Should Immediately Go To A Shop When You Had A Flat Tire

Most drivers have already experienced having a flat tire. It is one of the most common problems that can happen with a car. Knowing how to change your flat tire is essential so you don’t get stuck on the road.

The process of changing a flat tire is easy and you could be on your way within a few minutes. However, instead of continuing to drive your car to wherever you would like, it would be best to bring your car to the shop. You might be wondering why you’d immediately need to go to the shop when the car is now running fine due to the spare tire.

Yes, your car could be working properly now because of the spare tire but that doesn’t guarantee that it’ll work well for long. Here are reasons why you should go to a shop immediately when you just had a flat tire.

Spare Tires Aren’t Meant To Be Driven Long

The main purpose of a spare tire is to provide a temporary fix until you can get to a safe place or repair shop. Spare tires are not made to be driven for long periods of time. They are small and lightweight so they can easily be carried in the trunk.

This is why most carmakers would advise drivers not to go over 50 mph and drive for no more than 50 miles when using a spare tire. If you need to drive for a long time or go over 50 mph, it would be best to replace the spare tire with a new one as soon as possible.

Spare Tires Can Damage Your Car

Another reason why you should go to the shop immediately is that driving with a spare tire for a long time can damage your car. The small size of the spare tire can put stress on the drivetrain components of your car.

This can cause wear and tear on these parts and would eventually lead to bigger problems. It is best to have these parts checked by a professional and have the spare tire replaced with a new one as soon as possible.

You Might Need To Use Your Spare Tire Again

If you had to use your spare tire, chances are you’ll need to use it again in the future. Once you’ve used your spare tire, it is already considered damaged. This means that it won’t be able to provide the same level of protection as a new tire.

If you get another flat tire, you’ll have to use your spare tire again and this can cause further damage to your car. To avoid this, it would be best to replace your spare tire with a new one as soon as possible.

These are just some of the reasons why you should immediately go to a shop when you had a flat tire. It is important to remember that a spare tire is not a permanent fix and it can cause damage to your car if used for a long time. It would be dangerous to push your car to its limits, just like thinking that you could drive your car even if it has a broken coil spring. The damage might be minor in a few minutes but could worsen as you continue driving.

Continue Reading
mechanic repairing a car

The Benefits Of Hiring A Mobile Mechanic

If you are a busy person with no time to spare, or just someone who doesn’t like dealing with cars and would rather have someone else deal with the repairs for you, then hiring a mobile mechanic is an excellent option. Mobile mechanics can come out to your house or workplace and do all of the work in one place.

This way, there’s no need for you to take your car somewhere just so it can be fixed. You won’t even have to leave your house! Plus, this is often much more affordable than going through an auto shop because they charge a flat rate instead of charging by the hour which means that if it takes them less time than anticipated then you don’t get charged as much.

The Benefits of Hiring a Mobile Mechanic

There are many benefits to hiring a mobile mechanic. Some of these benefits include:

Convenience

Mobile mechanics are very convenient because they come to you. You don’t have to take your car anywhere or even leave your house. This is especially beneficial if you don’t have a lot of free time or if you live in a rural area where there are no nearby auto shops.

Affordability

Hiring a mobile mechanic is often more affordable than taking your car to an auto shop. This is because they charge a flat rate instead of charging by the hour. This means that if it takes them less time than anticipated then you don’t get charged as much.

Flexibility

Mobile mechanics are very flexible and can usually work around your schedule. This is great if you have busy or unusual working hours. All you have to do is to schedule at a time that you prefer and they can go to wherever you are to take a look and repair your vehicle.

No Long Wait Lines

Auto shops can be very busy and you may often have to wait a long time before your car is serviced. With a mobile mechanic, you don’t have to worry about waiting in line. They will come to you when it is convenient for you.

Less Stressful

Dealing with car repairs can be very stressful. However, if you hire a mobile mechanic then you don’t have to worry about any of the stress. They will take care of everything for you so that you can relax and not have to worry about a thing.

So, if you are looking for an affordable, convenient and flexible option when it comes to getting your car repaired, hiring a mobile mechanic is the best way to go.

When You Should Consider Using a Mobile Mechanic

If you find yourself in any of the following situations, it would be a good idea to use a mobile mechanic:

  • You’re short on time
  • You live in a rural area with no nearby auto shops
  • You have an unusual work schedule
  • You want to save money
  • You want to avoid stress

If you find yourself in any of these situations, then hiring a mobile mechanic is the best option for you. All you have to do is give them a call and they will come out to wherever you are and take care of your car repair needs.

Hiring a mobile mechanic is a great option for people who are short on time, live in a rural area, or have an unusual work schedule. Mobile mechanics are also

What are the Drawbacks of Hiring a Mobile Mechanic ?

Although there are many benefits if you choose to hire a mobile mechanic, you have to remember that there are a few drawbacks too. Such are as follows:

They May Not be as Experienced as Auto Shops

Mobile mechanics may not have as much experience as auto shops. This means that they may not be able to fix every problem with your car. However, most mobile mechanics are more than capable of handling the basics.

They May Not Have the Same Equipment as Auto Shops

Mobile mechanics may not have the same equipment as auto shops. This means that they may not be able to fix some problems with your car. However, most mobile mechanics carry a wide range of tools and equipment so they should be able to take care of most repairs.

They May Not be as Affordable as Auto Shops

Mobile mechanics may not be as affordable as auto shops. This is because they charge a flat rate instead of by the hour. However, mobile mechanics often offer more flexible payment options than auto shops so you can still save money in the end.

Overall, there are many benefits to hiring a mobile mechanic. They are convenient, affordable, and flexible. So, if you are looking for an easy way to get your car repaired, then hiring a mobile mechanic is a great option for you.

Continue Reading
changing car oil

Which Car Parts Should You Replace On Your Own?

How much do you spend on car maintenance? Is that amount getting uncomfortably bigger? If you want to save on maintenance costs, there are some things you can do like doing your own car maintenance.

Car maintenance also involves replacing parts of your vehicle. Have you ever done that or do you just leave it in the hands of mechanics? Although it is best to let professionals make the replacements, it is much more cost-efficient if you do it on your own. There are some car parts that are easy to replace and you should definitely start with these.

Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers help you see the road clearly. However, when you use them often, they could also create smear marks. Sometimes, they can also cause squeaking noises. These are easily available and you can even purchase them online. To replace them you simply have to unclip the old ones and clip the new ones. 

Oil

Regular oil change should be done as per the manufacturer’s suggestion. The oil usually costs about $25-$70 depending on which you choose. You only need a few tools to do this and it is quite simple. 

Oil Filter

When changing the oil, it is also great to change the oil filter as well. You can get to it when the oil has been drained. Changing it at the same time you change your oil will help make sure that the engine optimizes efficiently.

Light Bulbs

Whether it is the tail lights or headlights, you can easily replace the light bulbs once they go out. It will ensure your safety and it is required to have them fixed. Taillights can be accessed from the trunk while headlights can be accessed when you open the hood. 

Brake Pads

Brake pads could also wear down due to use. Replacing them will help ensure your safety. To replace them, you first need to remove the wheels of the car. Although it is not that simple to replace and could require you a bit more work to do, it can be done and will save you a lot. 

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs vary in price but changing them could reach up to $100. There are cars that need 4 spark plugs like those with four-cylinder engines. On the other hand, some will need 6 spark plugs like those with a V6 engine.

Battery

Car batteries are meant to last but they could also degrade over time. It is recommended to change them after about 3 years. It is another car part that is very easy to install. You just have to remove the old one and plug in the new one. 

Continue Reading
car coil spring

Thinking Of Driving With A Broken Coil Spring? Think Again!

You hear a loud clang just before you pull in the driveway. You’re still able to park your car and upon inspection you see that you’ve got a broken coil spring. 

Unfortunately, you can’t take it to the car shop early in the morning because of work. Are you thinking of driving with a broken coil spring? If you are, then you better think again!

That’s a dangerous, risky and wrong decision to make. The best thing to do here is to replace your coil spring or have someone come over to do it for you.

Let me tell you more about what could happen when you drive with a broken coil spring, but first let’s figure out what causes it to break.

What Causes The Break?

Coil springs are made to be durable. They don’t usually break frequently but over time, they could also be worn down. The environmental hazards you drive your car into could increase the risk of breakage.If you tend to use the car in areas where there are rough roads, it is more likely to break. 

Additionally, water and dirt could also wear them down. Moisture can cause the coil to rust, weakening the metal and causing it to break. Furthermore, frequently overloaded vehicles are more likely to have a broken coil spring. 

What Could Happen When You Drive With A Broken Coil Spring?

There are many dangers that go with driving with a broken coil spring. In some cases, some broken car parts can still be driven safely. However, that isn’t true when we’re talking about coil springs. A broken one could lead your car to develop more costly and major problems. 

Below are the dangers and disadvantages of driving a car with a broken coil spring:

Uncomfortable Ride

One of the signs of a broken coil spring is the discomfort you feel during the ride. It isn’t just uncomfortable but is dangerous too. When you have a damaged coil spring, the car will bounce more during the ride.

The bounces are quite obvious and more felt when you go over speed bumps. This is because the car is already bouncing while driving on a flat surface. That would exaggerate when it is driven over a speed bump.

A bumpy ride is not only uncomfortable, it also gives you less control. Instead of being focused and doing what you have to do while driving, you still have to balance yourself and keep yourself in your seat. 

Compromised Control

Another danger to driving a car with a broken coil spring is having less control over the vehicle. Apart from the bounces, there would also be a worse vehicle sway. This would lead your suspension system to destabilize. An increased vehicle sway makes it more difficult to control the car especially when you need to make a sharp turn. 

Noise

Due to a broken coil spring, the car will be noisy. Although you could ignore the noise, it’s other damaging effects can’t be ignored. The noise is produced because the suspension system cannot properly work well in equalizing the tension between the axles and wheels. 

Other Car Part Damage

As we’ve mentioned above, other car parts such as the axle and wheels can already be affected by the broken coil spring. Due to not being able to balance the tension among the axles and wheels, it could put pressure on other areas of the car. That eventually causes you to be in need of more expensive repairs or replacements.

Furthermore, a broken coil spring could puncture the tires as well. The sharp cut could hit the tires. 

Apart from that, the body of the car could also rest on the tires due to the broken coil spring. That pressure on the tires could be enough to break it. This is especially true when you’re driving at fast speeds. 

Final Piece Of Advice

If you ever find your coil spring broken, have it replaced immediately. If you can’t do it on your own, mobile mechanics can help you so you won’t need to drive your car just to get it replaced. 

Continue Reading
Mobile Mechanic At Job

Can Mobile Mechanics Do What Garages Can?

What do you do when you notice that your car is smoking or having problems? Do you call a mobile mechanic to have your car serviced or do you just bring it to the garage? There is now an increasing number of mobile mechanics. They are now bringing to us the services that we need rather than bring our car to them. But are mobile mechanics really comparable to car garage services? We are here today to figure that out.

What Is A Mobile Mechanic

As the name implies, a mobile mechanic is a professional mechanic that could provide their services anywhere you are. They can service your car at home, at your place of work or they may even do it at the side of the road, provided that it’s safe to attend to your vehicle there. Mobile mechanics could work with roadside assistance and towing companies and come to your aid when you need to.

Advantages Of A Mobile Mechanic

One of the main advantages of hiring a mobile mechanic is their flexibility. They’ll be able to adjust according to your availability. You can decide to meet them up during your lunch break at the place you work and they will be there. They can offer you better convenience. 

They can even provide you with their services after your work at home. You just have to schedule them and they’d come. Mobile mechanics are very convenient for people who can’t find time in the day to bring their car to the shop. 

Another advantage of a mobile mechanic over the garage is their price. Most of the time, mobile mechanics are cheaper because they have less overheads. They do not have to pay for the place they’d be working on your vehicle and they would only need to cover their own wages. They also don’t usually have a middleman and you can directly talk to them. This lessens the costing and it even helps with better communication. Even if it seems they charge higher because they come to you, they don’t really charge that much.

Can Mobile Mechanics Do What Car Garages Can?

In a way, yes. Mobile mechanics can also do what car garages can do but they may be limited due to the tools that they have. However, don’t belittle them for their vans or trucks would fit a whole lot of tools that will do exactly what you’d expect to be done in garages. 

Mobile mechanics come prepared and carry a lot of tools so they usually fix whatever is needed to be fixed. However, if your car needs a specialized and specific tool for it to be fixed, it is possible that they won’t be able to fix it immediately within the day. They could come back at a later time and bring the tool that they need. 

Additionally, there may also be limitations to what mobile mechanics can do on the site. If the car requires the mechanic to go underneath the vehicle, it could be more difficult to access. Garages are better equipped because they have huge machines to make the underside of the car more easily accessible. 

Generally speaking, mobile car mechanics can do pretty much whatever car garages can do for your vehicle. The only limitation would be those jobs that would be physically impossible to do without large specialized equipment. 

Conclusion

When it comes to the repair or maintenance of your vehicle, you are left with two choices. Either you call for a mobile mechanic or you bring your car to the garage. No matter what you choose, you can expect that your car would be properly dealt with. Mobile mechanics are also professional mechanics and they have the tools plus knowledge to fix and maintain your vehicle. 

Continue Reading
lower car maintenance cost

Expert Tips To Lower Your Monthly Maintenance Costs

While I’ve just about seen everything you can see in my 25 years+ as a mechanic, but I am constantly surprised at how many vehicle owners don’t understand that their car or truck needs to be maintained!

These machines have have wearable items like tires, motors, and transmissions, and since they wear out over time, there is an inherent expense on keeping them running their best.

Nevertheless, some people are still shocked to discover that they’d still have to pay for such services. If your budget is tight and is looking for a way to lower down the maintenance cost, don’t skip the maintenance procedures. Instead, read down below to discover various ways of lowering down your maintenance cost.

Carefully Select The Car To Purchase

Larger vehicles or trucks are chosen by some people because of their versatility. They can be used in various scenarios but do you really need one all the time? If you just need a ride that can get you from one point to another without carrying too much or having to fit a lot of people in the vehicle, it would be best to get a smaller vehicle that could cost less to purchase, maintain, and fuel. Assess your need for a car and carefully select the best one suited for your needs. 

Improve Your Driving

Your driving style will affect the wear and tear of the vehicle. How do you accelerate and slow down? Aside from the wear and tear of your vehicle, your driving style can also affect fuel economy. Drive less aggressively and try to maintain your speed. 

Get Car Insurance

It is a great idea to get car insurance but you should also be smart about what to get. It is best to compare them and get quotes. Carefully read what is they cover and don’t hesitate to ask and clarify if there are things you don’t understand or if you just want to make sure. 

Tire Pressure Matters

Your tire pressure is important and you should regularly check it to make sure you are not driving under-inflated or over-inflated tires. Tires with the right pressure can help with fuel economy. Plus they can also lessen wear and tear on the tires as compared to those who are driving with tires that aren’t optimally inflated. The optimal tire pressure varies but manufacturers have a suggested one in the manual. Most gas stations have an air station that you can use for free.

DIY Simple Car Maintenance

Car maintenance like replacing the air filter, lights, or even the oil can be done easily. You save on labor costs when you do these simple car maintenance procedures. Plus you also get to spend some precious time getting to know your vehicle even more. 

Earn From Your Car

Cars can cost money to own and maintain but they can also be a source of income. You can run side hustles like signing up for Uber or Lyft.

During your spare time, you can choose to work to earn more so that you can spend the extra cash on car maintenance. 

Continue Reading
car care

Caring For Your Car At The Time Of The COVID Pandemic

A different aspect of our lives is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As we all try to figure out and ease in into the new normal, we have to learn to adapt. Working from home and avoiding public places is common. 

Most are suggested to stay in their homes if they don’t have anything important to do outdoors. That might mean that you’d get to drive your car less than you usually would. However, you should still make sure that you properly take care of your car even at these times. 

What Can Happen To A Car That’s Not Driven?

Cars are built for the purpose of being driven. That is why you can’t just store your car, don’t use it for a long time, and expect it to be in great condition afterward. If it is not driven for a long time, safety issues can develop so you need to carefully check before you use it again. When you haven’t driven your car for a long time, the following things can happen:

Rust In The Brake Rotors

Rust in the brake rotors can happen when there is moisture and the car doesn’t move. Having this can be dangerous once you drive your car again. Also, leaving the parking brake on for a long period of time increases the risk of it getting stuck to the calibers.

Flat Spots On The Tires

Another risk of not driving your car for a long time is developing flat spots on the tires. This happens when the car’s tires are in the same position for a long period of time. The weight of the car being carried by the tire causes it to develop a flattened area. When you drive your car again, you will notice that a bumpier ride. In some cases, you might have to replace the tires entirely. Car tires that are stored in less than optimal pressure are also more likely to develop flat spots. 

Dead Battery

Another issue that can happen is a dead battery. The battery can die when the car is not used for a long time so if you do plan not to drive your car for a long period, removing the battery is a good idea. This can also help prevent damaging the vehicle in case of a battery leak. 

How To Keep Your Car In Great Shape

The problems stated above can take place if your car sits for too long. However, there are things you can do to still keep your car in great shape even when you limit yourself to using it. Less use of cars could mean you could postpone some maintenance procedures especially those that are done depending on how many miles the car has been driven, like fuel filter replacement. However, there are some maintenance procedures that shouldn’t be skipped.

Here are some of the things that you should do to maintain your car during the pandemic:

Drive Your Car 

Even if it’s just once a week, make sure you drive your car to make sure that it is still drivable. Driving your car also makes your battery healthier and rolling the wheels help even out pressure to avoid flat spots. When you drive your car around, the fluids in it are also circulated and distributed properly. This helps with proper lubrication of the vehicle and helps avoid sedimentation of the accumulated dirt.

Inspect Your Car Regularly

You might not be using it regularly but you have to check and inspect the different parts of your car regularly. If it is parked too long, it is possible for pests and other creatures to turn it into their homes. This is especially true if you eat inside the car and accidentally leave some food there. 

Keep It Covered And Regularly Washed

Car covers will help protect your car from different unwanted materials like dust, bird droppings, or sap. These particles can cause damages to the exterior and paint of your vehicle. If you don’t cover your vehicle, you have to wash it regularly to remove those particles and avoid build-up.

Fill Up Your Tank

Letting your car run out of fuel or constantly run on low fuel is not a good idea. Moreover, leaving a small amount of fuel in the tank while it is stationary for a long period can lead to moisture build-up. Avoid this by filling your tank with fuel before letting it sit for long prolonged periods of time. 

Properly Inflate Tires

As we’ve said, tires have the tendency to have flat spots when they are stationary for long periods of time. Eventually, tires will develop that flat side but with proper air pressure, you can slow that down. That could help save you a lot because you won’t have to replace your tires. 

Carefully Choose Maintenance Services To Delay

Even if we said that some maintenance procedures may be delayed, you should still be very careful about those that you choose to postpone. Make sure you don’t delay any maintenance that’s related to safety. This would include everything that affects your car’s ability to be driven properly like the brakes, transmission, and steering, just to name a few.  If you really need a mechanic’s service, there are shops that are open. They’ve also taken the necessary steps to provide safety and avoid contamination and spread of the virus. 

Continue Reading
smoking car

A Smoking Car? Here’s What You Should Know

Problems in cars will mostly produce various signs and being able to recognize those signs can help you correctly diagnose your vehicle. Before your car breaks down in the middle of the road and you need roadside assistance, it is best to notice the signs. Mobile mechanics can go wherever you are but it would be best to call for their services at a safe place rather than the middle of the road. 

One of the signs that can indicate a problem in your car is the smoke that it produces. As we drive our car, we often do not notice the smoke produced because it’s at the back. However, the smoke your car produces should be noted. Before a mechanic fixes your vehicle, they first need to identify the problem. If you know your car, then you’ll be able to tell them exactly what they need to know to figure out the problem. 

Being able to diagnose the problem of your car brings a satisfying feeling. It also helps you feel confident that the mobile mechanics won’t charge more than what is really needed. Even if you don’t know what exactly is wrong with your car, some understanding of what is happening to your vehicle can help you identify what the problem is. 

When it comes to smoke in your tailpipe, there are two main things to take note of. The first is the source of the smoke and the second is the color of the smoke.

Where Is The Smoke Coming From?

If you find steam coming out of the tailpipe, then you need not worry. This can happen when there is condensation that builds up and gets released due to the heat of your car. The tailpipe will normally release smoke but you have to take note of what it is releasing.

On the other hand, smoke coming from the engine is something that you should look out for. Some people would conclude that smoke coming from the engine is only due to overheating. This may be true for some vehicles but isn’t for all, there are other more serious causes of a smoking engine. It is a sign of a more serious problem, which means that the car really needs to be checked out. 

What Is The Color Of The Smoke?

The color of the smoke coming from your exhaust can indicate what the problem of the car is. You should take note of the color of the smoke from your tailpipe so that issues with your car can be figured out. Sometimes, it can be difficult to see this as the smoke will usually appear when you accelerate or decelerate. Taking time to check while you’re in Park mode helps clearly see the color of your exhaust.

Black Smoke

A black smoke typically appears when there is only a partial burning in the combustion chamber or when one or more of the cylinders is flooded with fuel. The problem might be due to a clogged filter, a leaking fuel injector, restricted intake duct, or ignition problems. 

Blue Smoke

Blue smoke from the tailpipe is a sign that the car is burning oil. Sometimes, the bluish color can also appear as dark grey smoke. This smoke color means that oil is leaking into the combustion chamber and is being burned together with the fuel. In this case, you should check and see any wear and tear in the piston, piston rings, valve seals, and engine oil seals. This can also be caused by the failure of the head gasket or a PVC valve malfunctioning.

White Smoke

White smoke can also be mistaken for vapor or steam. If this is the case, it would only produce a thin amount and wouldn’t cause a problem. This is caused by condensation build-up evaporated because of the car heat. 

However, if the tailpipe produces a thicker white smoke, it can signify that the coolant is being burned by the engine. This can cause a serious problem with costly repairs if not immediately remedied. The leak in the coolant can also cause the car to overheat.

Continue Reading
car maintenance tips

Tips On How To Save On Maintenance Cost

Have you ever brought your car for a routine maintenance check and ended up paying a huge bill because of all the work that is needed? You’re not alone, most of us have gone through that experience too. Some cars are really expensive to maintain. However, you can still save on your car maintenance by following these tips:

Less Frequent Oil Changes

You can spend a lot with the oil change service alone. Usually, mechanics will tell you to have it changed every 3000 miles or every 3 months. However, this isn’t always necessary and will still depend on the car you have or how it is used.

Older cars are the ones that need frequent oil changes but newer car models of today don’t necessarily need as much. Some can still be good even if they reach up to 10,000 miles. You can also use an oil dipstick to check and make sure that the oil levels are adequate.

Besides the oil level, you should also check the color of the oil in your car. The oil’s color is in a brownish shade but if it turns to a burnt color or even a black one, then you’ll definitely need an oil change.

Replace Parts On Your Own

When you go for maintenance or repair, a portion of the amount you spend is for labor. You can save money on that by replacing the parts on your own. There are some easy car maintenance procedures that you can do on your own like replace car filters, spark plugs, windshield wipers, brake pads or headlights.

Your car’s manual is a great source of information about how to do those things. You can also go online to gather information on simple processes. After learning the procedure, all you need to do is to buy compatible parts and you can do it on your own.

Don’t Go To Your Dealer

Car dealerships can cost you a lot more money than going to other mechanics where you can get the same service. Also, car dealerships can upsell on maintenance services. They might require you to come for maintenance checks that are unnecessary and redundant.

Instead, you can go to a local mechanic or even the gas station to get some of the maintenance services there. You just have to know what work needs to be done and have it done on your vehicle.

Protect Your Wheels

You can prevent your wheels from needing a replacement when you know how to maintain them. The best way to do that is to make sure they are properly inflated. Rotate your tires regularly too so that they won’t need to be replaced often. 

Continue Reading
fuel filter

Importance Of Fuel Filter Replacement

Cars have multiple filters in various parts of the vehicle. One of them is the fuel filter. Like other car parts, these also need to be serviced and replaced at a designated time interval.

However, some car owners don’t notice or consider replacing them until they experience problems with their vehicles. Don’t wait for that to happen, it is best to replace them regularly.

Continue Reading
waiting for mobile mechanic

Safety Tips While Waiting For Your Mobile Mechanic

Car trouble may come as a surprise while you’re on the road. If you don’t know how to check your vehicle or figure out why it suddenly won’t start, you can call a mobile mechanic for help. As you wait for their arrival, there are a few things you should do to ensure your safety while waiting.

Here are some safety tips while waiting for your mobile mechanic:

Continue Reading
car maintenance tips

5 Easiest Car Maintenance Anyone Can Do

Mobile mechanics are reliable. They can come to the rescue wherever you are and some even offer 24-hour service. Don’t wait for the time when your car won’t start anymore before you start maintaining your vehicle. There are simple and easy steps that any car owner can do. Some of these may seem easy that they don’t make a difference but they do.

Here Are The Easiest Car Maintenance You Can Do:

Change The Air Filter

The air filter is very easy to change that you can do it on your own. Changing this at least annually will help prevent your AC from overworking.

  1. To do that, you first need to open the hood and find where it is. It is usually inside a black case that has metal clips on the sides.
  2. Once you locate the case, open it but don’t take the old filter out yet. Look at how it is placed and make a mental note of this so you’ll know how to properly put the new filter in the case.
  3. Then, carefully remove the old filter carefully so that nothing falls inside the filter box.
  4. Place the new filter, close the lid and seal it with the metal clips.
Motor oil pouring to car engine.

Change The Oil And The Oil Filter

An oil change can be expensive, depending on where you’ll get it done and on what your vehicle is. Nevertheless, it is easy to do even on your own. Just make sure you buy the correct oil that’s compatible with the vehicle that you own.

Before you attempt to change the oil in your car, you must make sure that it isn’t hot. Only do it when your car has already rested for about an hour to prevent yourself from getting burned.

  1. The first step involves jacking up the car so make sure that it is parked at a leveled ground.
  2. Once jacked up, go under the vehicle and find the oil pan. Unscrew the plug to drain the oil. Make sure that you already have a container ready so that once the plug is removed, the engine oil won’t spill anywhere and just collect it into your container. The old oil can be recycled and you just have to bring it to a full-service gas station. Make sure to replace the drain plug before taking the next steps.
  3. While you’re at it, find the oil filter as well and remove it by making use of the oil filter wrench. It is possible that there is still oil on the filter so be careful of spills. Check to make sure that the old filter also comes with the rubber gasket.
  4. Before installing the new rubber gasket that is on the new filter, make sure to lubricate it first. Also, fill up the new oil filter with new oil, about ⅔ in volume.
  5. Secure the filter by tightening the screws.
  6. Open the hood and find the oil cap. Fill up the engine with the oil and use a dipstick to guide you to ensure that an adequate volume is added. Then place the cap back.

Check And Remove Corroded Battery Terminals

To ensure proper connection and function of the battery, it’s terminals should be checked. Corrosion in this area can mess with the car’s systems. It can also negatively affect the battery by draining it or preventing it from charging.

  1. The first step is to remove the cables from the battery. The negative cable should be first removed.
  2. The posts or terminals can be cleaned with a wire brush and a corrosion removal fluid, which is simply water with baking soda. Although there are commercial corrosion removal fluids, most create their own.
  3. After cleaning and removing the corrosion, rinse it out with plain water. Then dry it out with a rag.
  4. When it is completely dry, place back the cables starting with the positive ones.
Light bulb for a car’s headlights in male hand on the background of a car with an open hood.

Replace Busted Headlights

It’s not safe to drive in the dark. It is also not safe to drive around with only one headlight because cars might mistake you as a motorcycle from afar. It is fairly simple to replace. The cost will depend on the bulb that your car is fitted with. You only have to purchase it then you can replace it.

  1. Open the hood and find the bulb holder.
  2. The wire from the bulb holder should be removed by pressing on a lever, pulling up on a metal clip or unscrewing the cap off.
  3. With that, you can now remove the old bulb from the holder. Replace it with the new bulb and make sure it fits in all the way. When it is properly placed, there will be no rubber gasket that shows.
  4. Place the wiring back and secure the headlights with the new bulb in its proper place. Test it out to see if it works. If not, your busted headlights might not just be due to a defective bulb.

Change Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are essential in every car. They are made to be durable but they also need to be replaced due to naturally wearing down. Changing spark plugs will prevent misfires and cold fires, especially in winter. It is also easy to do and would take minutes depending on how many your car has.

  1. Find the spark plugs. If you don’t know where they are, follow the thick rubber wires under the hood. You’ll end up finding 4, 6 or 8 spark plugs depending on the car you have.
  2. Remove the wire from the plug by pulling it or wiggling it a bit. Make sure you only pull off one at a time.
  3. After removing the wire, a spark plug socket and an extension are attached to the racket. Loosen up the ratchet and slide the spark plug as far as it would go before removing the old plug.
  4. A new plug should be installed by hand screwing it then, later on, tighten it with a wrench.
  5. Reattach the wire and repeat with each of the other spark plugs.
Continue Reading
tire maintenance

Don’t Think Twice About Replacing Your Tires

Proper car maintenance can help save you money in the long run. Usually, most focused their attention on the engine but that’s not the only part of the car that should be properly maintained.

You should also maintain the car’s exterior by protecting the paint against sunlight. Similarly, you should also focus your attention on your tires and have them replaced when needed. It can be a bit challenging to know when to replace your tires but your trusted mobile mechanic can advise you on that.

When Should You Replace Your Tires?

Replacement of your tires will depend on how you drive your car, the weather it is exposed to, road conditions, and how often you use the vehicle. As part of your car’s regular maintenance, you should have your tires checked once a year.

Typically mechanics will advise clients to replace their tires and even their spare tires after 10 years of use. The replacement may be scheduled earlier depending on the car use.

To extend the life of your tires, proper care and maintenance should be done. Air pressure should be checked regularly and maintained at an acceptable range. It is also best for the tires to undergo regular tire rotations.

Why You Should Replace Your Tires?

When the 10-year mark comes or when mechanics advise tires for replacement, you should not think twice about it. Here are a few reasons why you should replace your tires:

For Safety Purposes

The most important reason to change your tires is to ensure of your safety. Newer tires will provide better control of the vehicle due to better traction. The threads aren’t worn out and the air pressure is well maintained. You are more likely to have a flat tire when you don’t replace your tires.

To Save Money

Even if you pay for new tires, you’d still be able to save on money by preventing your car from undergoing more damage due to your old tires. Accidents can happen when you drive tires that are already considered bald or those whose threads are worn out.

To Save Time

When you schedule for a tire replacement, you’d be having the service on a convenient time for you. Don’t wait until your on the road and in an accident before you replace your tires. Tire replacements are quick to do so it’s better to do them when you want to than when you don’t have any choice but to have them replaced.

For A Better Driving Experience

Your driving experience will also be greatly improved with new tires. You can feel this as you are cruising along the highway. The ride will be a lot smoother and noise from the tires will greatly be reduced.

Continue Reading
car won't start

Common Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Start

It’s been a long day at work and you head over to the parking lot ready to drive home to a delicious home-cooked meal. The only problem is your car wouldn’t start.

Today’s world is filled with technology and it has made it much easier for the modern car owner to monitor their vehicle. Nonetheless, the problem of not starting the vehicle is still quite common.

Cars back in the day are mostly the same for the cars of today. They come with an internal combustion engine that powers the cars. To keep the car running, it mostly needs fuel, a spark and air. If any of these are lacking or faulty, the car is very unlikely to start. Here’s a list of the common reasons why your car won’t start.

Dead Battery

The most common reason why your car won’t start is due to a dead battery. Actually, your battery isn’t really dead, it’s only too weak that it can’t power up your starter to turn fast enough to start.

Not having enough power on your battery can be caused by a lot of things. You may have left the light on for too long, the cables might be restricting the flow of power, there might be water inside causing poor conductivity or your battery is really old and already worn out.

To confirm that the battery is really the main cause of the problem, you can jump-start your vehicle. If it works, then your battery really needs to be replaced.

Alternator

The alternator plays an important role in charging your car’s battery. It is possible that the problem lies on the alternator itself but the problem can also be due to a worn accessory belt drive. If the problem lies on the belt, it is quite common for a warning light to turn on.

On the other hand, you should manually check the voltage of your alternator. Make sure it’s at around 14 volts. Some cars have alternator gauges but more modern cars don’t. You just have to ask the technician to check.

Starter

The starter gets everything moving to start the engine. A broken starter is usually accompanied by a clicking sound. Sometimes the starter is functioning well but has lost its teeth, which is why it cant’ start the engine.

car won't start

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs should be regularly replaced at around 100,000 miles. Many car owners tend to forget to replace it during their maintenance schedule. This leads to a very common problem of not being able to start the car. If only the regular replacement schedule is met, this problem can be easily avoided.

Air Filter

The air in your vehicle isn’t only limited to the air conditioning. In fact, your vehicle’s engine wouldn’t run when there is no air. Air or oxygen is needed to continue burning the fuel that keeps the car running.

Dirt, dust, grease and other buildups can cause a block on your air filter. This can hinder the proper flow of filtered air into your engine. The air filter can easily be replaced and most automotive supply shops have them.

Fuel Filter

Similar to the air filter, the fuel filter is also important in making the car run because it removes unwanted muck to get access to your engine. A clogged fuel filter would also mean lesser fuel will get to your engine. Fuel filters should also be regularly changed to avoid problems.

car won't start

No Fuel Reaching The Engine

Even if your fuel filter is clean, if the pump that pushes fuel towards your engine is weak, the fuel would still not be able to reach the engine. Similarly, if your fuel tank is empty, your car won’t start. An empty fuel tank isn’t hard to miss because there is a gauge in the dashboard.

Steering Wheel Lock

When you can’t start your car because you can’t even turn your keys, then a locked steering wheel is likely the culprit. This is an anti-theft feature and you can unlock it by steering the wheel to the left or right as you start the car.

Electronic system

Today’s technology has made it possible for keyless lock remote starting. Although it’s a cool feature, this can also cause your car to fail to start. The electronic systems should be well maintained or else they can cause errors such as this. Whit this kind of problem, you really need to call on a professional for help.

Conclusion

Sometimes, finding a solution to a car that won’t start is easy but sometimes you may need a mechanic’s help. If you’re unsure about what to do, it is best to wait for a mobile mechanic rather than try to do it on your own. DIY style repairs can be dangerous not only for you but for everyone on the road.

Continue Reading